Twenty-year-old Amanda Imler of Pulaski first met Austin Bair in September 2001 when she was a teaching assistant at East Lawrence Elementary School in Volant.

The young woman said she instantly fell for the boy with the big beautiful grin.

"It was his smile," she gushed. "He's happier than most other kids. He's always laughing and smiling."

Though he has cerebral palsy and cannot speak or walk, Miss Imler said she was drawn to the 7-year-old's demeanor, and she grew to love the boy, his siblings and his grandparents.

Miss Imler became so close to the family, she began exchanging Christmas gifts with them, writing long letters to his grandmother telling her how his day went at school and visiting their home.